Forensic Art Classes and Training

There are lots of classes out there, but these are my personal recommendations for valuable, effective training, based on the most current scientific and forensic art guidelines.

I can’t make any guarantees, of course. It is up to you to email the instructor with any questions you may have prior to taking the class.

Just a reminder: forensic art is a very small, very niche field, so it is extremely competitive as well. The people who will have a massive advantage over you, no matter how well you draw, are already in law enforcement. If you aren’t, you need to be willing to join. Why? That’s where the work is. I advise reading the previous link, and Ten Steps to Become a Forensic Artist.

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Marla’s Way 101Composite Drawing
Fairburn, GA
February 9-13, 2015Instructors: Marla Lawson and Kelly LawsonAAFA: There aren’t enough words to describe how terrific Marla and Kelly are as forensic artists. Just click on the class flyer link…you’ll see. I know a bunch of artists that have already declared they are going, so hurry before the class is full!

Modern Techniques in Forensic Art
Composite Drawing & Post-mortem Techniques
Baltimore, MD
March 23-27, 2015Instructor: Michael StreedAAFA: Mike Streed’s credentials in forensic art are unmatched: 31 years in the field, including the Los Angeles Police Department, and Baltimore City PD’s first full time forensic artist. Click here to get all the details and download the class flyer!

FASElinks – Forensic Artist Skills Enhancement Network
Composite Drawing
Las Vegas, NV
March 30- April 3, 2015Instructor(s): Duncan Way; Guest Lecturers (TBD)AAFA: Duncan Way is bringing something new to the field of forensic art training: collaborative instruction. Students not only learn from their instructor, but share and network with each other. A great idea whose time has come!

Creating Dynamic SketchesCheck site for upcoming locationsInstructor: Wes Neville AAFA: Wes’ bio and reputation as an extremely experienced and accomplished forensic artist speaks for itself. This is the class to take if you want to take your drawings to the next level.

Introduction to Composite Art, Getting Started, &Advanced Composite ImagingWestmont, NJ
Instructor: Charles T. Jackson
NOTE: This coursework is only open to Law Enforcement employees, regardless of capacity (Police Officer, Court Clerk, Dispatcher, Parking Enforcement, etc)AAFA: I’ve known Det. Jackson since the first IAI conference I attended 10 years ago. He’s not only an accomplished composite artist, but also one of the most enthusiastic, hard-working, and generous instructors you’re going to find. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a composite artist, this is the class the start with.

Forensic Art Techniques
Houston, Texas
Instructor: Lois GibsonAAFA: I’m proud to know Lois Gibson; she’s a pioneer in the field and takes artists under her wing to encourage them and help them improve their skills. To reserve a seat, contact manager Brian Schroeder at 713-291-8653 or instituteforforensicart@yahoo.com.

Compositure Methodology Course
Online Training
Instructor: Gil ZamoraAAFA: I took Gil’s workshop at an IAI conference, and came away with my head spinning. He is immensely talented, very generous with his knowledge, and humble to boot. To watch how effortlessly he draws will amaze you.

Forensic Imaging Techniques
University of South Florida
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Instructors: NCMEC Forensic ArtistsAAFA: I took this class years ago. Outstanding! You need to know Photoshop, though, or you’re going to be be lost! Please note, this class is open to law enforcement employees or contractors only.

About AAFA

This site was started to fill a major void in the field of forensic art: education.
What is forensic art? How does someone get into the field? What classes are available? Are jobs even available?

Nobody should have to go broke getting the answers to those questions. Ask a Forensic Artist is dedicated to providing the best information possible about forensic art. This is a fascinating, valuable field, vital to law enforcement, and dedicated to the witnesses and victims of crime.